SPAR is building the sustainable future in the present
Environmental awareness, social responsibility, the appreciation of staff members, food safety and the promotion of health-consciousness are important parts of the corporate philosophy of SPAR Hungary. The company has launched future-proof programmes under this approach during the past year, which are presented in its latest sustainability report.
“Sustainability is the biggest issue and challenge of our modern age, with our future at stake, and as a responsible company we must also focus on these questions. Our environmental awareness is emphasised throughout the entire corporate system, including the areas of energy efficiency, professional waste management or the conservation of natural resources. As part of our social responsibility initiatives, we also support people in need and donate to animal welfare organisations and various social programmes. And we also care about our staff members who work day in, day out for our mutual success. We are proud to see that SPAR Hungary has been ranked 14th on the joint list of the HVG weekly magazine and the Planet Fanatics’ Network, which ranks large Hungarian corporations based on environmental sustainability, social responsibility and corporate governance (ESG) aspects. We are carrying on with these initiatives in 2024 and we are committed to sustainability,” emphasised president and CEO Gabriella Heiszler who also oversees the SPAR sustainability strategy.
In 2019, SPAR Hungary has organised its sustainability efforts under the single umbrella brand “SPAR – for a sustainable future”, linking its priority areas relevant to sustainable development. Core values of the SPAR Group (modern, customer-focused, sustainably operating) define the day-to-day commercial activities and the way the organisation operates. Aspects of sustainability have always been definitive for the entire SPAR Group, shaping the very foundations of its business strategy.
Environmental awareness in all areas
SPAR has been conducting its trading activities with environmental impacts in mind since its establishment. Environmental awareness is reflected in the store network, logistics centres, food production facilities and at the company headquarters. The company also aims to strive for energy efficiency, professional waste management and the conservation of natural resources. In 2023, the company’s total energy consumption was cut by more than 5.5% compared to the year before. The volume of generated waste decreased by more than 1600 tonnes (i.e. 5%) compared to 2022. With the introduction of reusable rolling rack blankets in logistics, SPAR Hungary saves more than 70 tonnes of packaging material each year. Also, through partnership with Munch, customers can buy discounted food packages, reducing food waste.
Only ingredients from reliable sources are used in the SPAR system
The company lays strong emphasis on food safety across its entire range of products, ensuring that only verified products from trusted sources are available on store shelves. The retail chain complies with the requirements of international quality management standards that guarantee the highest levels of food safety.
More and more health-conscious products
SPAR is committed to promoting healthy diets. For this reason, it has launched the SPAR Lifestyle (SPAR Életmód) programme, is continuously expanding its range of products to support a healthy lifestyle, raises awareness of quality food and helps people with dietary intolerances. Surveys show that only 4% of the Hungarian population regularly takes part in sporting activities, it SPAR also promoting sports and healthy lifestyle. In this spirit, the two-day SPAR Budapest Marathon Festival has been organised again in 2013, and the company has been the brand name main sponsor of the event since 2009.
8.7 billion HUF spent on raising wages
SPAR Hungary is one of the largest employers in Hungary and the company highlights the importance of continuous professional training and remuneration of the employees. The corporation spent 8.7 billion HUF on salary increases last year. Training hours per employee increased by more than 20 percent by 2023. In 2023, SPAR Hungary was awarded the title “Reliable Employer 2023/24” by the German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DUIHK) for its exemplary and reliable care for the working and living conditions of its employees.
Focus area of supporting social causes
SPAR highlights the importance of supporting communities and organisations that work for social welfare causes. The company spent more than 200 million HUF on charitable causes in 2023.
The “Joy to Give!” (Adni Öröm!) Christmas fundraising campaign – which SPAR organised for the 27th time in cooperation with the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service – made the holidays of 25 000 families more joyful. At the end of August, in the “Joy to Give!” school supplies donation campaign, shoppers also supported the school supplies collection initiative of the Charity Service of the Hungarian Order of Malta and SPAR Hungary by purchasing more than 62 000 pieces of school supplies and donation cards worth nearly 2.2 million HUF, thus contributing to the start of the school year of around 1600 pupils in need.
The partners event at the 2023 Budapest Wine Festival was organised by SPAR with the lowest possible carbon footprint: SPAR voluntarily compensated for the emissions generated by the organisation, energy consumption, travel and meals of guests by planting 392 native fruit trees.
The “Paw in Trouble!” (Mancs a bajban!) pet food donation campaign was organised in May 2023 with volunteers of more than 30 animal welfare organisations. More than 9000 kg dry pet food and 4500 pieces of canned food for dogs, as well as more than 1000 kg of dry pet food, nearly 2500 pieces of canned food, 5000 trays of food and 1355 kg of cat litter has been collected.
The objectives and results of the sustainability activities of SPAR Hungary are publicly available on the following website: www.sparafenntarthatojovoert.hu
